Homecoming
Posted: Mon May 18, 2015 6:46 pm
JIM ROSS
And there it is! Chris Jericho makes Sami Zayn tap out to the Walls of Jericho!
JERRY LAWLER
He’s still got it, JR! Chris Jericho is our new Intercontinental Champion! Wow!
Sami Zayn crawled on to his knees as he heard Christy Hemme announce Chris Jericho as the winner of the match, as well as the new Intercontinental Champion. He rolled on to his back and crawled backwards into a corner and he breathed heavily, wincing in pain as he held his legs and watched Jericho celebrate with the Intercontinental Championship. The cage was being lifted up as Sami looked to quickly escape, and the fans cheered for him as he did. He struggled to his feet and shook his head in disagreement, as he couldn’t believe he had to submit to Chris Jericho, he stood on the stage and stared down at Jericho, and fans cheered for Sami who started to applaud Chris Jericho and his efforts before giving a thumbs up to the crowd who briefly started the ‘Ole!’ chants before disappearing through the curtains and allowing Jericho to have his moment. He wasn’t given much time to rest, with the next match quickly approaching the cameras followed him backstage as he walked down the corridors as he was quickly stopped by Todd Grisham who wanted to catch a quick word with him.
TODD GRISHAM
Sami! Sami! Can we get a quick word out of you over what happened inside of that cage, you tapped out to the Walls of Jericho and effectively…lost your Intercontinental Championship, your thoughts?
SAMI ZAYN
My thoughts, my thoughts Todd…I…I didn’t expect it to go down like this, it didn’t happen like I thought it would, in my head I thought me and Chris would go out there and steal the show and I would be talking to you about how I knew I would defeat Chris and I stayed true to my word, but I can admit I was wrong. He caught me when I wasn’t paying attention…one lapse in concentration and he caught me in that Wall of Jericho and believe me, I didn’t want to tap, I held on for dear life especially for the championship but if I was in that hold for two more seconds, I’d be in an ambulance right now.
TODD GRISHAM
Well it was a great match that’s for sure, the cameras picked up that you waited on the stage and applauded Chris Jericho, what was that about because as well know there’s definitely bad blood between not only yourself and Chris Jericho, but Lance Storm and Trent too.
Sami sighed and laughed to himself, scratching his beard as he struggled to come up with an answer right off the bat, knowing Storm and Trent would be ecstatic with Sami Zayn dropping the title.
SAMI ZAYN
Look Todd, I can’t hide the disappointment that I lost, if I could rewind back time I’d go back to the moment before I was locked in the Walls of Jericho and yes, I’d do things differently but it’s done now, there’s absolutely nothing I can do about it, he was better than me tonight, that’s all it proves. The only thing that irritates me is that Jericho won’t be taking the credit for the win, it’ll be Lance and Trent, I’ve already shut them up but I failed against Chris so I felt I needed to applaud his effort, there’s a reason he’s the wrestler of the year and although I never wanted to lose the belt, I can say I’m happy I lost it to a wrestler.
TODD GRISHAM
Is there anyone you’ve set your sights on? Is it over between yourself and Jericho, or do you want to mix it up with some of the other superstars?
SAMI ZAYN
I don’t set my sights on anyone, I set my sights on goals and my goals are championships and during my time here I’ve been fortunate enough to be a two-time Intercontinental Champion, that alone is enough to prove the doubters wrong who thought I’d be so bad I’d need to wear a mask again. The trend seems to be that I prove people wrong all the time, I’m put in matches I’m not expected to win and I triumph, and somebody, somewhere just can’t stomach that and they decide to attack me to try and take me out of the picture, we saw it with Solomon Crowe when he first arrived and he used me, used me as a platform to become the World Champion, I’ve been attacked by Trent, Lance Storm, Jericho; all of these people have tried to take me out of the picture for self-satisfaction and because they just cannot stomach the fact that I have actually made a name for myself. But not anymore, now I’m not going to be a pushover, nobody will see me as a pushover and anyone I step in the ring with will think twice about how easy the match will be, because it won’t. I didn’t start anything with Chris, he came to me, he needed me more than I needed him and he capitalised. My focus is elsewhere now, I’m aware of the talent we have here, I’d love to have another go at CM Punk who defeated me a few weeks ago or even The Rock if he can beat Punk tonight, I’d love to have another crack at Dolph after I won our last match but will it happen? Of course not, I do want the best standing opposite me, that means I need to share the ring with the likes of Dean Ambrose, I need to compete against Ted DiBiase, Seth Rollins…I need to compete against Finn Bálor; guys like these are who I know give me great matches and I can show just what I can do, and at Warfare whenever I am next booked, I’ll prove it.
TODD GRISHAM
Before you leave, Sami…what’s next for you? You somehow bounced back the first time you lost the title and you recaptured it, now the competition is tough and there are plenty of superstars gunning for the title, where do you think that places you now?
SAMI ZAYN
As much as I’d like to say I’m entitled to my rematch as a champion and try my best to win it back, I can’t say that I deserve it compared to what some of the other guys have been achieving. I’m going to take a step back, take next week off to heal these legs of mine and I’ll see what goes on from there. I’ve already beaten some of the best this company has to offer, World Champion after World Champion, maybe it’s about time I took my eyes off the Intercontinental Championship and focused on the bigger prize, and if not…there’s an empty throne just waiting for me to sit on it next month.
Sami walked off, signalling his intent to finally move on to bigger and better things, having defeated and competed alongside some of the best he knew he was capable of it, he just wasn’t good enough to defeat Jericho on this particular night.
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Monday May 11th 2015 – EBWF Warfare – Bell Centre – Montreal, Quebec; Canada
The scene opened up at the pre-show panel inside of an empty Bell Centre in Montreal where Renee Young was sat down with Sami Zayn. The doors hadn’t opened yet but the EBWF wanted to shoot something with Sami Zayn, especially after his loss at Aftermath but he was booked for the evening and what made it more special was the fact that it was in his hometown. The vibe felt like it was a laid back interview, more like two friends talking but it was clear by the way the two were talking that Sami felt like he needed the win against Matt Sydal more than any win in his EBWF career so far.
RENEE YOUNG
So your Mom is coming to watch you tonight?
SAMI ZAYN
Yup, it’s funny. Ever since I started wrestling whether it was in a backyard with my friends, going all across Europe, Italy, England, France, Germany and then coming home for a day or two, here in Montreal and then setting off to Asia, my Mom never watched me wrestle, I’ve been doing this for so long that it still surprises me. My family couldn’t make it to my EBWF debut, which I’m now glad for because Batista handed my ass to me, they weren’t there in my first title loss to Syxx, they weren’t there when I beat him for the title, they missed my first Survivor Series, Royal Rumble and even WrestleMania and now…I don’t even mind because having them watch me compete for the first time ever, at Montreal, that’s more than what I could have asked for, and I hope I do them all proud and in reality, I’m glad I have Matt as an opponent, I have someone I know I can compete well against and someone I know will push me to my limit and I will push him to his, and then my family will leave thinking it was worth it, it was worth the sacrifices and Sami knew what he was doing when he decided to wrestle full time. I know what I have to do to make them proud, and I know Matt is the right superstar for me tonight, there’s only a handful of people I’d have picked to face tonight, he’s definitely on that list, I’m genuinely looking forward to it, can’t wait for tonight.
RENEE YOUNG
Must be quite nerve-wracking for you? Looking back at all of these empty seats and knowing that in a couple of hours they will be filled with fans chanting your name?
SAMI ZAYN
It is, nervous, excited, eager to get out there. I’m sure it’ll be a great night and what better opponent to be up against than Matt Sydal?
RENEE YOUNG
Do you think the match sways in your favour? Considering he’s only just returned and now you’re going one on one against him in your hometown?
SAMI ZAYN
Hmm…I don’t really think so, no. I think this match is split down the middle, the Montreal fans aren’t stupid, they know talent when they see it and they put their faith in someone like me all those years ago so I know they’ll appreciate me, they’ll appreciate what Matt brings to the ring and I know they’ll let us know they appreciate our effort in the match later tonight.
RENEE YOUNG
Well Matt made his return to the EBWF last week, what did you make of his match against Finn Bálor?
SAMI ZAYN
I thoroughly enjoyed it, it was a good match and I’ve worked with Finn a while ago so I know what kind of opponent he is, it’s not easy to defeat him but Matt did just that so I’m looking forward to what he brings tonight. I feel I have a different style to Finn, but a style that matches well with Matt’s style, he’s talked about toning it down a notch and not wanting to put on a show for these fans…he needs to remember that the only reason he’s back is because of these fans, maybe Matt toning it down means his stint in this company won’t last too long, again. But I do wish him the best, I hope it works out for him and he feels satisfied with his return, I’m just not one to roll over because the supposed next big thing has arrived. He’s got his plans and I’ve got mine, tonight we need to do whatever it takes to make sure one of us walks out the winner.
RENEE YOUNG
Well Matt has obviously made his intentions clear, he’s not here to be one of the guys who sticks around for a while and leaves, he’s here because he means business, he’s captured gold, he’s picked up a win on his return as well, I know you’re not underestimating him but do you think he can ultimately achieve that goal of becoming World Champion?
SAMI ZAYN
I think…anyone on their day can do it. Now I people will say ‘oh no he’s too small” or “he’s not tall enough, not strong enough, he can’t speak on the microphone” or whatever, look the fact is to make it to a company like EBWF you need to have all of those skills, everyone contracted here from Matt Sydal to Sasha Banks to Lance Storm to Becky Lynch, they can all do it, they have the tools, the skills to become the champion and I believe Matt is no different. But at the same time, there are guys at the back, guy like me who will do everything we can to make sure we reach the top first, Matt wants to be the one to dethrone Dolph but guess what buddy, so do I and I’ve realised the hard way that running your mouth won’t get you that prize. I ran my mouth so Syxx handed my ass to me, I ran my mouth and Dolph kicked my ass, I talked a good game and Jericho took my gold from me. So I’d say just watch what you say, you’ll end up focusing so much on that top prize that the man standing right in front of you will take it all away just like that. But do I think he can become a World Champion? Absolutely, it just won’t happen while I’m standing in his way, this means too much to me to allow anyone else to get there.
RENEE YOUNG
So you’re saying you will get there before Matt? Or you hope that you’re recognised by the decision makers sooner or later.
SAMI ZAYN
Ummm…I hope I get there before Matt, I’ve given it my all ever sicne I arrived whereas Matt left and travelled and came back and I appreciate everything he achieved, everything he accomplished but I’ve captured gold too, he was the Breakout Champion and a Slammy Award winner and he believes he will become World Champion, well I’m a two time Intercontinental Champion and a Slammy Award winner so if he’s in the discussions, I believe I should be too. I’ve learn that leaving things to the decision makers won’t swing the decision in your favour, you need to go out there and fight for everything and that’s what I’ve been doing, I’ve defeated AJ Styles, I’ve defeated Dolph Ziggler…I’ve pretty much defeated everyone they’ve put in front of me and I’m planning on doing the same tonight to Matt, it’s not personal, I’m sure he’s a great guy, well respected, but I can’t let him defeat me, not in my house.
RENEE YOUNG
Well I don’t want to keep you here for too long, the doors will be opening soon and you need to go prepare for your big match, what do you expect to go down when your music eventually does hit?
SAMI ZAYN
Wow…I can’t even imagine it. I mean we’re a great city, full of great people so I fully expect the Montreal crowd to give Matt a reaction he deserves even though he probably won’t care what they have to say. And I imagine they’ll give me a warm welcome home, a lot of friends and family are coming to the show and they’re going to see me do what I do best, go out down there, into that ring, put on the match of the night and defeat Matt Sydal and end his fairy tale of becoming the champion, tonight.
That concluded the interview he had with Renee, now Sami went to his locker room to get ready and prepare for his match, which meant a lot to him and he so desperately wanted to win.
The EBWF was in Canada for Warfare and this particular show was a special one for Sami Zayn, he had already lost the Intercontinental Championship to Chris Jericho at Aftermath and would have to start at the bottom of the ladder again, something he was willing to do. He was also not booked for the episode of Warfare last week despite being backstage, and any wrestler would have hated to be at Madison Square Garden and not compete in front of the fans inside of the arena, but for Sami that was okay because this week he was booked and he was up against a formidable opponent who made his return to the company last week, and defeated Finn Bálor in an impressive display but none of that mattered to Sami. Whilst sitting alone in his locker room, he could hear the thunderous chants, his name, the tune to his music and ‘Ole!’ being chanted throughout the Bell Centre as the fans continued to wait for Sami Zayn, who was returning and competing on home turf for the first time in his EBWF career, it was a special night for him and the pressure was on him to go out there and perform to the best of his abilities, he already knew his match with Matt Sydal would be one of the best taking place on the evening as their styles matched perfectly inside of the ring.
There wasn’t too long left until Warfare would end for the week, and we still had two matches to go, one of those being the match between Matt Sydal and Sami Zayn. Sami was standing in the gorilla position as he peeked through the curtain, listening to the loud chants as the agitation and excitement grew inside of the Bell Centre, the match was already advertised a number of days prior to the event so fans knew that Sami Zayn was scheduled to be there tonight and the sound guys continued to keep the fans waiting for a short while longer, before World’s Apart suddenly blared the PA system and the Montreal crowd got out of their seats and erupted into cheers for Sami Zayn who eventually danced his way on to the stage and then pumped them up as he made his way down the ramp. He pumped them up some more on the steel steps before he walked into the ring and stared at the thousands in attendance as he was clearly humbled by the reception he received and was continuing to receive from the crowd. He tried numerous times to speak but he continued to get cut off by the crowd, he didn’t mind as he laughed to himself and went to lean in the corner, giving them an invitation to be as loud as they wanted, but eventually he had to step in as his microphone was turned up so he could speak before his match.
SAMI ZAYN
Now I knew you guys would be loud, but that….that was incredible. Montreal! It’s good to be back!
The fans cheered as Sami called for his crowd to be loud, he continued to smile and quietened them down again before continuing.
SAMI ZAYN
Ever since I checked my e-mails a while ago, I noticed...that the EBWF was coming to Montreal and I made it my mission to make sure I came here to my people with the Intercontinental Championship, marking this as my homecoming, but...I wasn't able to do that, and for that I can only apologise to everyone here who expected me to walk in with the title. But that doesn't mean we need to be upset, or I have to kick myself, I can kick my opponent's head tonight instead, we can still mark this as the day Sami Zayn came home.
Fans cheered as Sami remained upbeat despite the fact he had lost his Intercontinental Championship not too long ago, but the crowd were still supportive of him.
SAMI ZAYN
I hope you’re all enjoying your evening, we’ve seen some great matches but you’re night is about to get a whole lot better because your son, Sami Zayn is going to be competing in this ring against Matt Sydal. A former Breakout Champion, Intercontinental Champion and a Slammy Award winner, so guys we can’t take Sydal lightly, can we? I was there, backstage last week at Madison Square Garden and I watched that match because I’m good friends with Finn and I was genuinely surprised to see him lose to Matt, and that was because Matt Sydal…is actually pretty good. It felt like he hadn’t been out for a while, it looked as if he’s been inside of a ring every single day but remember, Finn Balor is new to the EBWF as well, tonight is your real test against a fired up Sami Zayn in front of a wild Montreal crowd, tonight, THEY will test your resolve and see how much you really want this and how well you can handle the pressure. We all know what you’ve achieved in the EBWF, some people will never even get close to your Breakout Championship win or even a Slammy Award win, but you need to realise that in this company Sami Zayn is not somebody you overlook or expect to beat, because you’ll be in for a rude awakening and ask half of the roster at the back what happened when they expected to beat me. Your match with Finn was great, I enjoyed it but I’m the one you need to focus on now, not Finn or Dolph Ziggler…me.
Fans cheered at Zayn’s determined attitude, refusing to let Matt Sydal have any advantage heading into their match and it was clear the fans were on his side.
SAMI ZAYN
You’re going to need to definitely surpass your limits, bring something, anything you’ve never brought before because it’s clear your previous style didn’t get you what you want, it would be a change if the new and improved Matt Sydal brought something new and failed, again. I know you’ve turned your back on the fans, on these so-called scumbags but tonight they will be the reason I kick you in the skull and pin you in the middle of this ring! You might think you have it all sussed out, you have this big blueprint all planned out how you’ll defeat everyone, how you’ll hang on to your achievements as a Breakout Champion and hope that it catapults you into super stardom, but you’re wrong. When you left you allowed other guys to fill that void, your exit as this superstar who put his body on the line, for their entertainment allowed people like me to enter and fill that void and I can tell you me and some of the other guys have done a mighty fine job of ensuring your presence was never, ever missed. You might have taken time off to heal or compete elsewhere or whatever it is you did, becoming a better wrestler because you grew stronger and faster but we weren’t resting on our laurels, I was working my ass off every single week to appear on this show and I worked my ass off to become Intercontinental Champion, I worked my ass off to defeat some of the best this company has to offer and I’m in WAY too deep to let someone like you one-up me in my own city.
Fans cheered as Sami grew in confidence and was eager to get on with the match.
SAMI ZAYN
Matt, I know what you’re all about, I know what’s it like when you have to do something you have no interest in doing and I respect that you’re staying true to yourself now, standing for what you believe in and if you don’t need these fans then hey, who am I to ridicule you for that? We all do what we believe in and for me, these fans are the reason I’m standing here today. You’re a former Intercontinental Champion, as am I, so why don’t you get down here and the two of us can show these all of those people who said us smaller guys can never make it in this business…let’s show them how they wrong they are.
Fans cheered at Sami’s sportsmanship, giving Matt Sydal the respect he deserved and he wanted his fans to show him the respect too and hoped he and Matt could put on a hell of a show. He took off his shirt and warmed up in the ring, jumping on the spot and waiting for his opponent to make his way to the ring.